How to check if a IC is working?

I have two IC's, a L298 and a L293, and I'm doing the circuit to make it work with a DC Motor. But it simply doesn't work!!

And I've already made it work with another L298, but I burnt it accidentally.
So, I'm starting to think that both L298 and L293 have some kind of problem! Is there anyway I can check it?

Thanks everyone!

With an oscilloscope, you can get the manual for those ICs and check the test circuits. Mount the circuits and check if the response matches the manual. That's one way to do it.